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Man jailed over County Tyrone crash death

A County Tyrone man who was two and a half times over the drink-drive limit when he crashed and killed a man near Sion Mills in January 2014 has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years years in custody and two-and-a-half years on licence.

BBC

Paul Nicholl, 50, of Carnkenny Road in Newtownstewart, caused the death of Patrick McCroary and grievous bodily injury to three other people by driving carelessly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Man who assaulted doctor and sang sectarian songs jailed

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No tie required at Stormont

Assembly Speaker Mitchel McLaughlin has moved to clarify whether it is necessary to wear a tie during assembly proceedings, after new MLA Eamonn McCann said he was unlikely to wear one.

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Mr McLaughlin said MLAs should dress in a way which demonstrates respect for the House: "That should be smart and professional business attire. However, I am content that a tie is not an essential requirement."

Programme for government details on way

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Ashers 'had no obvious restrictions', court told

A lawyer for the gay rights activist who brought a case against Ashers bakery over a cake with a slogan supporting same-sex marriage, has told the appeal court the Christian-run bakery had no obvious restrictions on cake designs

Press Eye

The barrister told the court about an Ashers' leaflet on the shop counter, at the corner of which was a Halloween cake with a witch on it and said there were also cakes with commercial logos.

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Paramilitary assessment disappointing - Nesbitt

Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt has said he is disappointed, but not surprised, that the paramilitary assessment published last October remains valid.

Pacemaker

"The chief constable's assessment does not make re-entry to the executive any more attractive, but we have two other tests regarding the programme for government to which we expect to have answers in a few short days," Mr Nesbitt said.

Ballymena to host Royal concert?

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Murder call made from phone box

Police say they believe a bogus call ordering a Chinese takeaway, then delivered by west Belfast murder victim Dan Murray, was made from a public phone box at the junction of the Antrim Road and Cliftonville Road.

Ex-detective criticises Arlene Arkinson investigation

The 15-year-old disappeared in 1994 after a school disco in County Donegal. Norman Baxter, a retired PSNI detective superintendent, gave the inquest a frank and damning assessment of how the Arkinson family had not been helped.

Attack achieved only mourning and suffering, says Carroll

"I am deeply saddened by the news of another paramilitary attack in west Belfast, this time with tragic results. Nothing has been gained or achieved by this unnecessary loss of life, only more mourning and suffering," Mr Carroll says.

Stomont row before ministers are appointed?

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Police officers wing it 'on duck patrol'

Traffic was brought "to a stand still" in Carrickfergus as a family of ducks tried to cross North Road earlier today.

PA

"Officers controlled traffic and safely assisted the duck and duckling off the road", according to a post on the PSNI Carrickfergus Facebook page. "Thank you to all the drivers who stopped and for their patience while officers dealt with the problem," they added.

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Bank of Ireland loses court battle

John Campbell

BBC News NI Economics and Business Editor

Bank of Ireland has lost a court battle to avoid paying almost £30m tax on a transaction that dates back more than 10 years.

BBC

The bank had attempted to exploit a change in tax law and differences in the timing of when two group companies filed their accounts. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) challenged the tax treatment of the deal and, after a lengthy legal process, the Court of Appeal has ruled in its favour.

Alliance angry over Nesbitt comments

Mr Nesbitt said: "It is clear beyond doubt that Alliance will be offered the justice ministry, so they have a decision as to whether they take it and if so who they put in." However, Stewart Dickson of Alliance said for Mr Nesbitt "to hurry out and go straight to the media" showed his party's "flippant attitude" to the talks.

Child killer 'lost control' over Arlene Arkinson murder charge

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SDLP unimpressed by programme for government paper

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood says he believes the party is "a very long way" from seeing a programme for government to which they can sign up.

Pacemaker

The parties were given a document outlining the main points during talks lasting minutes this morning. "We will only sign up to one that actually meets the needs of the people who've been left behind," Mr Eastwood says.

Police warn of fake iTunes scam

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Alliance condemns Belfast 'culture of violence'

Alliance Party justice spokesperson Stewart Dickson has said a "culture of violence" is rapidly developing in Belfast after the third shooting in 24 hours saw Dan Murray killed in the west of the city.

Press Eye

"Certainly three shootings in the space of 24 hours gives the impression of a growing cycle of violence in Belfast, whether any connection exists or not between them. The thugs behind them need taken off our streets immediately," Mr Dickson said.